Kent seeks partnership with Kent State on fracking ban

February 25, 2013

KENT, Ohio -- The northeast Ohio city of Kent is reaching out to Kent State University in an attempt to create a joint anti-fracking policy.

The city council unanimously approved a motion to contact university officials to work together on banning the gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on public land in Portage County.

The Kent-Ravenna Record Courier reports that Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said she ``really want(s) the public to know we're taking this seriously.''

A Kent State spokeswoman said that while the state sets the rules for oil and gas drilling, the university's board of trustees would have to approve any proposed drilling. None has been proposed.

Environmentalists have raised concerns about the effects of the process, although oil and gas industry officials say it is safe.